Welcome everyone, Support We have decided to merge our newsletters for October and November. October Group Corner is always a very busy month with World Mental Health Day, and as you know we were in Parliament this year, but we were still able to participate in many other talks and activities. Cape Town Support Group To those of you who ask us why we can't put all our activities and talks on the The Cape Town Support Group, run by internet in advance, the unfortunate truth is that we are often asked to step in at Chris Carter (082 444 1952) and Justin very short notice, so it isn't viable to put up a planned schedule as it will more Kennedy (082 370 2080) meets every than likely change. Tuesday night from 7pm to 8pm at the Cape Town Medi Clinic. The group is open to sufferers of depression, stress, In our next newsletter we will give a list of 2009's special days! burn-out and anxiety. Family members are welcome. World Mental Health Day in Parliament Anyone wanting to start a support group in the Southern Suburbs or Dear SADAG, Tableview area, please contact Diane Mallaby on 021 557 6066. I wanted to let you know that SADAG 's organisation of the day at Parliament celebrating World Mental Health Day was of an extremely high standard, Swaziland thanks to the team and particularly to Katherine who worked very hard indeed. BIG congratulations to Denise It was a very interesting and successful day and we spoke to many Mortlock for winning an award from different people the Swaziland Rotary Club in at Parliament who were very supportive of what we were trying to do. By recognition of her voluntary work! The chance I spoke to a gentleman who turned out to be a parliamentarian, who award came with a cheque with which suggested we make a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Health and she has opened a bank account in the indeed make an appointment with Barbara Hogan. I hope you do in fact follow name of Mbabane Mental Health up on that. Support Group to be used for buying books. Well done Denise - you are Well done for the initiative. doing amazing work and SADAG salutes you. Ruby Ward (Cape Support for Mental Health Mental Health Day, Swazi style, was one of the most colourful in the world! After a procession of drum majorettes, traditional dancing and singing, there People Magazine Visits SADAG! were presentations by (amongst others) the Director of Health Services, the People Magazine recently featured an article about SADAG and visited our Matron of the Psychiatric Centre, a offices to see what goes on behind the scenes at a crisis line call centre and to presentation by Denise and an address interview those who answer the phones. Cassey Amoore and Janine Shamos by World Health Representative, Dr. E. were interviewed and the feature includes great comments and pictures! Maganu. Denise was asked for a copy of her speech by the WHO and taken to Click here to read the article lunch by the Director of Health Services to discuss the way forward. Good luck Denise! Educator's Conference at Crawford Polar Bears: Bipolar Support Group in Rondebosch College - 2 & 3 October Crawford College played host to a two-day conference for educators, educational psychologists and school counsellors on various aspects of teen mental health. Janine Shamos gave two talks on bullying and teen suicide respectively. Many attendees have noticed an increase in bullying, self-injury, teen depression and suicide, and often feel isolated and unsure of where to turn to or where to refer others for assistance. For this reason both talks were incredibly beneficial and very well received, the conference was very interesting This group – with the great name- and informative. meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 7.30 pm for a support A very powerful talk was given by Charl Louw of the Teddy Bear Clinic on the meeting, tea and fun at Ivydene, traumatic sexualisation of children, which I am sure the audience wished had a Glebe Road (off Sandown Rd), longer time allocated to it, as it was so informative. Another very interesting, Rondebosch. and entertaining talk was on ADHD and trauma given by Dr Jeeva. A big thank you to Terry Wilke for inviting SADAG and Janine to participate in this Please contact Lucille: 021 685 wonderful conference. 1747 or Suzanne 021 794 2738 / 084 2933214. The group has a library and World Mental Health Day sometimes organises guest speakers and asks for a R10 and the Police Line - Thanks Chad! donation to cover refreshments. Gratefully, the Kliptown Police Station has not only recognized the need for mental health advocacy but also the need for people on the police force to East Rand World realize that mental health care is a necessity. This was put into action through a fun walk held for the neighbouring police stations, which was well Mental Health Day: An received. Amazing Success Coordinated by Carlos SADAG was represented by Chad Owen who used the opportunity to remind the officers and support staff of SADAG's toll free Police Line sponsored by Pretorius PharmaDynamics. Chad spoke to officers who had experienced loss and trauma, (many acknowledged they had), but many seemed to feel they should The East Rand World Mental handle it on their own and not seek counselling. Hopefully Chad's enthusiasm Health Day attracted a good deal of and passion helped dispel the myths and negativity and bring a change to the local media attention. Besides the police force's approach to mental health. Thank you Chad for giving up your local papers, the Beeld visited time and supporting the South African Police. Carlos and his group and published a full-page article with photographs. Wellness Day at the Department of Carlos was very busy arranging a Science and Technology - 15 October full day of activities at the Glynwood Hospital. A series of talks were presented, including Thavanisha and Janine attended and manned SADAG's stand at the talks on Anger Management, Post- Department of Science and Technology's Wellness Day as part of a natal depression, a talk by Dr Adele comprehensive and holistic 'health team' which included dieticians, nurses, Frisby Lowe about her book, and a eye specialists and VCT counsellors. The day was very well attended and talk by psychiatrist Dr Zako for many employees asked specific questions about how to help a friend or family doctors on "Identifying Depression member with depression, bipolar, anxiety or substance abuse. Thank you to In Patients", all talks were well Loretta Pillay for inviting us to attend and for doing such an amazing job at attended. the Department to raise awareness amongst employees. Between 12-1pm, a GP, Dietician, Psychiatrist and Psychologist spoke on East Rand Stereo and Talk at SABDA: Schizophrenia and answered questions from callers. Bipolar Disorders Alliance From 1-4 pm, Carlos spoke (in Cassey Amoore was our speaker at SABDA's October meeting. The title of her English and Afrikaans) about the talk was "Managing Stress in all aspects of your life". Judging by the number support group and answered of calls received, her talk was a real hit. "Cassey's knowledge of anxiety, questions. This was an incredibly stress and panic attacks is extensive and her personality and warmth make powerful day and created enormous awareness for the East her an absolute natural on radio and TV", said Norma who coordinated the Rand community. Our thanks to program. Carlos and his team for always being ahead of their game and really putting the community first. Carlos has been involved with Mental Health for many years and is to be commended for the Talk at Baragwanath Hospital powerful work that is done on the East Rand. - 17 October On the 17 th October, Baragwananth Hospital hosted a day's workshop for nurses, doctors, psychologists, and social workers dealing with youth. Mpho manned our stand and Janine gave a talk on depression in children and teens. Substance Abuse The workshop included talks by renowned psychiatrists and psychologists and School Talks we were very honoured to have been invited. We were able to elaborate on what SADAG can, and does do for mental illness awareness. We have targeted over 3 000 learners in Soweto, Diepsloot, Vosloorus, Alexandra, Randburg, Daveyton, Boksburg and Midrand with a talk Joburg General Hospital Wellness Day - aimed at the youth, regarding substance abuse and it’s link to 21 October depression. Many youth turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with stress, numb The Joburg General Hospital held a Mental Health Wellness Day on the 21 st emotional pain or to fit in with the October. SADAG's stand was gorgeously decorated with balloons and banners crowd. The talk looks at why this is a and our brochures were a huge hit. A big thank you to Elizabeth, Tim and Zuki bad idea and helps teach learners new for representing SADAG at this day, which was filled with many questions, lots coping skills. If anyone would like a of interest and was very needed and appreciated by the nurses and staff who talk to be presented to their school or attended. Once again it was an opportunity for SADAG to clarify how we are youth group, please contact Cassey on able to help outgoing patients. 011 262 6396. This is conducted with funding from the Department of Social Development in conjunction with our toll free substance abuse help line Tara Hospital Wellness Day - 24 October which is operated 24 hours a day.